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Hamas: We’re not bound by Israel’s unilateral withdrawal

August 2, 2014

After the IDF told Gazans living in Beit Lahia that they could return to their homes on Saturday, indicating the army has completed its operations in the area, Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri stated the Palestinians would not be bound by any unilateral decisions made by Israel.

“If the occupation unilaterally withdraws, the battle field would decide the response. We’re not going to be obligated to anything,” he said.

He also claimed that “Netanyahu can’t completely destroy our rockets stockpile or our tunnels,” asserting that “The victory Israel is talking about is fictitious.”

“The occupation must choose, and then pay the price. It either stays in Gaza and pay the price, or unilaterally withdraw and pay the price or have negotiations and pay the price. We’re ready for all of the possibilities.”

Earlier Saturday, the IDF told Palestinians who had fled fighting in the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahia they could return, as witnesses said troops were seen withdrawing from the area.

“The residents are advised to beware of explosive devices Hamas has spread across the area,” the IDF said in a statement summarizing what it said had been all-clear messages relayed to Beit Lahia’s 70,000 residents.

Witnesses in Al-Atatra, which is part of Beit Lahia, reported seeing troops pulling back, in a move mirrored in the south, where residents said the soldiers had withdrawn from villages east of Khan Younis, close to the Israeli border.